balsamic vinaigrette salad

With all the cooking that I do, most of the time it’s the simple things that I love the most. This balsamic vinaigrette salad is one of my easy favorites that I typically make at least once a week. I rarely purchase premade salad dressings (with the exception of Annie’s Shitake & Sesame Dressing…holy cow that’s a good one) because they’re so easy to make at home and the taste is just so much better.

I love this balsamic vinaigrette salad because it can be an easy side or a main dish by adding some quick grilled chicken. And the dressing itself is a tad on the sweet side so my girls gobble it up like it’s a dessert. And I’m typically not a huge salad eater but this one just rocks my world!

If you’re a blue cheese lover, definitely add some crumbles to it. And cherry tomatoes are perfect here, too, along with some thinly sliced red onion. But the options are endless – just add your favorites and make it your own!

Cheers,

Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 -3 garlic cloves, chopped

3/4 cup olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

Whisk the vinegar with the garlic cloves, then add oil in a steady stream while whisking. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper, too!

Note: If you’re not using a high-quality vinegar, you can add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar to bring out more of its sweetness.

About Kristy Bernardo

On paper, I'm a chef, recipe developer and food & travel writer. In real life, I'm constantly obsessing over my love of food and new recipes and am on a lifelong quest for the perfect cocktail. I love good friends, margaritas and my beautiful daughters above all else (with blog readers coming in at a close second). I believe that hard work and grit always pay off and that a positive attitude will take you everywhere.

Balsamic vinaigrette salad is sort of a staple in my household when it comes to salads and fairly nutritional dishes in general. So much of it speaks to my Italian heritage, it just goes well with a lot of hardy pastas and carbohydrate based dishes. It is great that you put this recipe up though, especially for those unfamiliar with this salad!

Hi, I’m Kristy. Thanks for stopping by!

On paper, I'm a chef, recipe developer and food & travel writer. In real life, I'm constantly obsessing over my love of food and new recipes and am on a lifelong quest for the perfect cocktail. I love good friends, margaritas and my beautiful daughters above all else (with blog readers coming in at a close second). I believe that hard work and grit always pay off and that a positive attitude will take you everywhere.